Shenzhen, China – May 16, 2025 — Under the shimmering lights of the Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School Conference Centre, the final round of the 2025 Top 10 Campus Singers Competition captivated a packed audience with an unforgettable night of music and talent.
Hosted by the Communist Youth League of PKU Shenzhen and organised by the Graduate Student Union, the event carried the theme “Voices Unstoppable, Shine Through Sound.” After a competitive preliminary and semifinal round, ten outstanding students advanced to the final stage to showcase their vocal artistry and stage presence.
Event Hosts
The competition consisted of three rounds. In the first, all contestants performed solo pieces, judged by a panel of five professional musicians and twenty public jurors. The second round featured duet performances, where pairs of contestants collaborated to deliver unique musical interpretations. In the final round, the top three contestants, based on cumulative scores, competed in solo performances for the championship, with judges evaluating vocal technique, stage charisma, and artistic presentation. An additional Most Popular Singer award was decided through online voting.
Celebrating Talent and Creativity
The judging panel brought together musical experts from across the Shenzhen arts community, including composers, conductors, music educators, and professional choir members. Notable judges included Mr. Lian Yilong, an acclaimed composer and artistic director; Mr. Lin Honghai, director of academic affairs at PKUSZ and member of the Shenzhen Symphony Choir; Ms. Huang Weijia, a music teacher from Shenzhen Middle School with a master’s in piano from Colorado State University; Mr. Li Wenqing, conductor and faculty at Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen); and Ms. Liu Wei, a national-level vocal judge and advisor to the PKUSZ student arts group.
The event was attended by university leaders, including Mr. An Xiaopeng, Deputy Party Secretary of PKUSZ; Ms. Luo Bifang, Director of the Student Affairs Office; and Ms. Zhang Fanshan, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean of HSBC Business School, as well as faculty representatives from various schools.
The evening opened with a dynamic street dance performance by the university’s student dance troupe, energising the atmosphere with powerful choreography and rhythmic flair.
Opening Street Dance Performance
Each solo and duet performance highlighted the diverse musical styles and emotional depth of the contestants, from heartfelt ballads to powerful anthems. Audience members showed their enthusiastic support with colourful signs and LED banners, transforming the auditorium into a sea of light and energy.
Audience Showing Love and Support
Final Results: Voices That Moved the Crowd
After three compelling rounds, Contestant No. 5, Cheng Mengjun, was crowned champion with his moving performance of “People Are_.” His restrained yet emotionally intense delivery explored profound questions about human nature, leaving a lasting impression. The award was presented by Deputy Party Secretary An Xiaopeng.
Champion – Cheng Mengjun
Second place went to Contestant No. 6, Song Jiafeng, whose performance of “Too Hard to Sing” challenged vocal limits and conveyed a deep passion for music. He received his award from Student Affairs Director Luo Bifang.
Runner-up – Song Jiafeng
Third place was awarded to Contestant No. 1, Jiao Rao, whose rendition of “The Great Artist” portrayed a powerful emotional journey of self-discovery through love and art. Her award was presented by Mr. Lin Honghai.
3rd Place – Jiao Rao
Seven other performers—including soloists and the vocal duo “Density”—were recognised as the Top 10 Campus Singers, representing a vibrant spectrum of musical talent on campus. Contestant No. 4, Zou Jiaying, also received the Most Popular Singer award, based on online votes from the university community.
In addition to praise and encouragement, the judges offered professional feedback to each finalist, highlighting opportunities for deeper emotional delivery, stronger stage presence, and refined technical execution, encouraging the performers to continue growing as artists.
Top Ten Singers and "Most Popular Performer" Award
The evening also featured three rounds of interactive prize draws, adding to the excitement. A Nintendo Switch was awarded to one lucky audience member by Deputy Party Secretary An Xiaopeng.
Professor An Xiaopeng presents the First Prize to the lucky audience winner.
Professor An Xiaopeng presents the First Prize to the lucky audience winner.
A Stage for Dreams and Expression
The Top 10 Campus Singers Competition has become a signature cultural event at PKU Shenzhen, providing a platform for students to express themselves through music and creativity. As the final spotlight dimmed, what remained was a profound sense of inspiration—voices that resonated with courage, passion, and authenticity.
This year’s event not only celebrated musical talent but also embodied the spirit of youth and the power of artistic expression at Peking University. To all the performers, organisers, and supporters: thank you for making this night a celebration of dreams. May every PKU student continue to find their voice—on stage and beyond.
